Cambridge Liberal Democrats

Howarth backs fairer energy prices and warmer homes

Guaranteed fair electricity and gas prices and a programme to make all UK homes energy efficient by 2020 has been supported by Cambridge MP David Howarth.

There should be reduced energy prices for poor households and fewer tariffs which are simple to understand and easy to compare, he says.

Mr Howarth has given his support to the measures being called for at the Liberal Democrat autumn conference in Bournemouth tomorrow (Tuesday, September 22).

They form part of a package of moves which include calling for the development of a dynamic UK electricity grid that can better connect and integrate new, clean energy technologies and enable the UK to participate fully in a European supergrid.

Lib Dem party members and supporters will be told that Britain, Europe and the world need to develop a new sustainable economy based on clean, renewable energy and reduced dependence on fossil fuels.

The UK must set an example in tackling climate change by raising its carbon emission reduction target for 2020 from 34 per cent below 1990 levels to 40 per cent below. Fossil fuel and industrial greenhouse gas emissions should be phased out by 2050, the conference will hear.

"A new sustainable economy based on renewable energy, less dependence on fossil fuels and more efficient use of resources will drive economic recovery, create thousands of jobs and help secure Europe's future energy supplies," said Mr Howarth.

"We need a Warm Homes programme co-ordinated nationally but delivered locally to make all homes energy efficient by 2020. There should also be guaranteed fair prices for energy customers and fewer tariffs to simplify the whole system."